Resources like government food assistance programs, food banks, and free food can often have difficult hurdles to navigate. Without healthy coping strategies, individuals experiencing food insecurity can be more prone to psychological burdens.

University of Delaware

Food insecurity has associations with diet quality, nutritional deficiencies, and resource navigation that may lead to poorer mental health.

Reasons We See The Relationship Between Food Insecurity and Mental Health

Bergmans, R. S., Sadler, R. C., Wolfson, J. A., Jones, A. D., &amp; Kruger, D. (2019). Moderation of the association between individual food security and poor mental health by the local food environment among adult residents of Flint, Michigan. Health Equity, 3(1), 264–274. https://doi.org/10.1089/heq.2018.0103 

Moderation of the Association Between Individual Food Security and Poor Mental Health by the Local Food Environment Among Adult Residents of Flint, Michigan

Individuals suffering from food insecurity have a substantial lack of fruits, vegetables, and dairy. Diet can influence immune-inflammatory pathways, which play a role in multiple mood disorders.

Diet Quality and Food Insecurity

Those who experience food insecurity consume fewer essential vitamins and minerals. Some specific nutritional deficiencies are associated with worse mental health

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